er me to enlist under his command, I should be ready to
justify his kindness by patiently supporting every hardship, and facing
every danger. 'Young man,' replied he, with a look of kind concern,
'there is not an officer in the army that would not be proud of such a
recruit; but I should ill betray the hospitality I have received from
your parents, if I suffered you to be deceived in your opinion of the
military profession.' He then set before me, in the strongest language,
all the hardships which would be my lot; the dangers of the field, the
pestilence of camps, the slow consuming languor of hospitals, the
insolence of command, the mortification and subordination, and the
uncertainty that the exertions of even a long life would ever lead to
the least promotion. 'All this,' replied I, trembling with fear that my
father should take advantage of these too just representations to refuse
his consent, 'I knew before; but I feel an irresistible impulse within
me which compels me to the field. The die is cast for life or death, and
I will abide by the chance that now occurs. If you, sir, refuse me, I
will, however, enlist with the first officer that will accept me; for I
will no longer wear out life amid the solitude of these surrounding
mountains, without either a chance of meriting applause or
distinguishing my name.'

"The officer then desisted from his opposition, and, turning to my
parents, asked them if it were with their consent that I was going to
enlist. My mother burst into tears, and my sisters hung about me
weeping; my father replied with a deep sigh, 'I have long experienced
that it is in vain to oppose the decrees of Providence. Could my
persuasions have availed, he would have remained contented in these
mountains; but that is now impossible, at least till he has purchased
wisdom at the price of his blood. If, therefore, sir, you do not despise
his youth and mien, take him with you, and let him have the advantage of
your example. I have been a soldier myself; and I can assure you, with
truth, that I have never seen an officer under whom I would more gladly
march than yourself.' Our guest made a polite reply to my father, and
instantly agreed to receive me. He then pulled out a purse, and offering
it to my father, said, 'The common price of a recruit is now five
guineas; but so well am I satisfied with the appearance of your son, and
the confidence you repose in me, that I must insist upon your accepting
what is